N A 2 3 Page Paper Include The Following Three Parts

N A 2 3 Page Paper Include The Following Three Partspart 1what Is On

Part 1: What is one domestic policy that you would change? Why? Be sure to use your approved policy and sources identified in the Policy You Would Change activity you completed in Week 9.

Part 2: From the list of branches below, choose two and explain the procedures for changing or making a new policy for each of the two you chose: the legislative process, presidential executive action, administrative agency’s regulations, legal system of the courts.

Part 3: In what way can the public influence this proposed policy change? Use evidence to support your argument including statistics and/or relevant facts from your sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The policymaking process in the United States is intricate, involving multiple branches of government and stakeholder engagement, especially when proposing and implementing policies that directly affect citizens. For this paper, I will select a specific domestic policy to analyze, detail the procedures for policy changes within two government branches, and explore how the public can influence these policy developments.

Part 1: Policy Change Proposal

One domestic policy I would advocate changing is the healthcare policy related to access and affordability. Despite significant healthcare reforms, many Americans still struggle to afford necessary medical services, leading to disparities in health outcomes. Based on data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 27 million Americans remained uninsured as of 2020, and premiums continue to rise annually (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). I propose expanding Medicaid and introducing a public option to increase competition, reduce costs, and improve health equity. The rationale behind this change revolves around evidence suggesting universal coverage reduces emergency room visits, improves preventive care, and lowers overall healthcare costs (Baicker et al., 2014).

Part 2: Procedural Processes for Policy Changes

Regarding the legislative process, changing healthcare policy involves several stages. First, a bill must be proposed by members of Congress, which then undergoes committee review, debate, and possible amendments. If approved by both houses, it proceeds to the President for signature or veto (United States Congress, 2022). This process emphasizes legislative scrutiny, public hearings, and voting procedures.

In contrast, presidential executive action provides an alternative route for policy change without legislation. The President can issue executive orders or directives to federal agencies to prioritize or modify existing policies. For example, an executive order could direct agencies to expand Medicaid or modify eligibility criteria swiftly (The White House, 2021). However, executive actions are limited in scope and subject to legal challenges, making their durability dependent on broader legislative support.

Part 3: Public Influence on Policy Change

The public has several avenues to influence policy changes, notably through voting, advocacy, and participation in public consultations. Voting allows citizens to elect representatives aligned with their policy preferences, thereby shaping legislative priorities. Moreover, grassroots campaigns, protests, and advocacy groups can exert pressure on policymakers. For instance, during health policy debates, organized campaigns such as "Health Care for All" have mobilized citizens to contact legislators and participate in demonstrations, influencing legislative decisions (Smith & Johnson, 2019). Additionally, public comments are often solicited during rulemaking phases for administrative regulations, giving citizens formal input which regulatory agencies must consider (U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 2020).

Statistics indicate that public engagement correlates with policy responsiveness. A survey by the Pew Research Center (2021) found that active public participation increases the likelihood of policy changes aligning with citizen preferences. These mechanisms ensure that, despite the complexity of policymaking, government remains accountable to its constituents.

In conclusion, changing domestic policies like healthcare involves a multifaceted process, incorporating legislative initiatives, executive actions, and regulatory adjustments. The public plays a vital role in shaping and influencing these policies through voting and active participation. Understanding these procedures and channels of influence enhances civic engagement and ensures policies serve the public interest effectively.

References

  • Baicker, K., et al. (2014). The Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Health Insurance Coverage. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(15), 1467-1476.
  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). The Uninsured: A Primer. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/uninsured/
  • Smith, L., & Johnson, D. (2019). Grassroots Advocacy and Health Policy Reform. Journal of Public Policy, 39(4), 543-559.
  • The White House. (2021). Executive Orders & Presidential Actions. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/
  • U.S. Congress. (2022). How Laws Are Made. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/learn
  • U.S. Office of Management and Budget. (2020). Public Comments and Rulemaking. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-regulations/regulations/
  • Pew Research Center. (2021). Civic Engagement and Policy Change. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/07/15/civic-engagement-and-policy-making/